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Premier League players warned - don't sign for Greece, Cyprus, Turkey

Because contracts are not being honoured, professional footballers are advised against signing for club sides in Greece, Turkey or Cyprus.

The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro), the global representative for professional footballers, has issued a statement that advises athletes to be 'very critical' when assessing offers of employment from teams competing in the league systems of Greece, Turkey and Cyprus.

'FIFPro is advising all professional football players to be very critical before signing a contract with a new club,' the organisation said in an official statement, also published on their website. 'FIFPro is giving a negative recommendation to players who want to sign with clubs in Cyprus, Greece or Turkey, especially those that don't play in European football.'

FIFPro alerts players who are considering a switch to the aforementioned countries to be wary of false promises. It claims footballers can be swayed by things such as high wages, beautiful homes and signing-on bonuses.

'Unfortunately, FIFPro has found that many clubs don't keep these promises.'

It adds that, after a few months, the club struggles financially which can impact the player's monthly wage. In some circumstances, players have had to wait months to be paid as their wage is postponed.

'FIFPro is advising players that, before signing a contract, they should obtain information from the national football players' union regarding the situation of that club, and the country.

FIFPro mainly wants to caution players and unions about the bad behaviour of clubs in Cyprus, Greece and Turkey. Cyprus has for years occupied the first position, by a wide margin, as regards the number of disputes submitted, while Greece and Turkey are vying for second position.

'In all three countries, the number of disputes increases every year. The only exceptions are those clubs that play in European football: these accept the UEFA club licensing system, which reduces the risks.'